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Transorientale: First day of the new Russia-China Marathonrally.

Yesterday was National Day in Russia and so it was a great opportunity for everybody to come and admire all competitors at the end of the first Special Stage (71 km). They came from Moscow (about 80 km) to watch drivers and their cars, trucks or bikes. The first Special Stage of the 2008 Transorientale gave everything excellent except for French Eric Vigouroux. He broke the rear wheel of his Trophy Truck. Good news comes from Spaniard José-Luis Monterde with the best time:» For me, it’s a very good start. The SS was quite pleasant and was made of fast and slow sections.

Pal-Anders Ullevalsetter set the pace. Best time on aggregate of the day: "The 2008 Transorientale is a long way to Beijing so there is no need to hurry" said the Norwegian. Dutch Gerard De Rooy finished 1st at the end of the stage. The Truck category’s leader signed the 5th best time of the day.

At the bivouac, all competitors were pleased to say that René Metge made an excellent job for the first Special Stage. They all said the difficulties were here to make their day harder and harder. But they all listened to their team managers’ tips:» Take your time to understand your car. Because the Transorientale 2008 is a long way to Beijing."